LIBOR Installs 2024 Leadership and Honors Award Recipients

On January 4, 2024, Long Island Board of REALTORS® Inc. (LIBOR held its annual Installation and Awards Event at Garden City Hotel in Garden City, NY. During the event, LIBOR’s  Executive Committee, led by President Kevin Leatherman, and its board of directors were installed, and several exceptional members were honored for their 2023 contributions..

The evening began with a warm welcome by the master of ceremonies, Doreen Spagnuolo, Chief Executive Officer of LIBOR, followed by the inspirational words of Natasha Williams, 2023 REALTOR® Spirit Award recipient, and pledge of allegiance, led by David Legaz, past President of LIBOR, and New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR).

2024 LIBOR President, and special guest of honor,  Kevin Leatherman was then introduced by his partner Dennis Law, and installed into office by Joseph Rivellino, 2024 NYSAR President. Leatherman brings over 28 years of invaluable experience and extensive knowledge in real estate to his new position as LIBOR President. Leatherman’s demonstrated leadership, diverse expertise, and active involvement at local, state, and national levels make him well-equipped to steer LIBOR toward continued success and advancement within the industry.

Rivellino also had the pleasure of installing the incoming 2024 LIBOR elected officers, President-Elect Mark Donnelly, Secretary/Treasurer Rao Ali Shaan Khan, past President Gina Marie Bettenhauser, and the 2024 LIBOR Board of Directors.  

These elected volunteer leaders will meet regularly to help implement the association’s strategic goals and will work diligently to represent the needs and values of LIBOR’s members.

Following the installation was the presentation of LIBOR’s distinguished service awards:  REALTOR®-Broker of the Year to Ruth Pfeffer of Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc., REALTOR®-Salesperson of the Year to Rao Ali Shaan Khan of Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc., and the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award to Evelyn Fasulo in recognition of over 37 years of service to her community and the real estate industry.

The 2023 REALTOR® Spirit Award was presented to Natasha Williams for her dedication and exceptional efforts in creating the nonprofit organization - Impactful Lives, a community-based initiative confronting the profound inequities experienced by unhoused young mothers. The REALTOR® Spirit Award celebrates and recognizes LIBOR’s remarkable members who have made a positive impact on their community and gifts the organization through which they volunteer time and talents a $5,000 donation.

LIBOR past President Gina Marie Bettenhauser then had the honor to present certificates to the graduating class of LIBOR’s inaugural Leadership Academy - Judy Cangemi, Christine Dickson, Jessica Hollenstein, Renée Hughes, Owais Iqbal, Richard Parisi, Paige Ryan, Steven Sokolof, Jennifer Tucker and Erica Turner.

Created in 2023, LIBOR’s Leadership Academy is a year-long immersive program designed to develop emerging REALTOR® leaders aspiring to get involved and make a difference by building a strong foundation for progression into leadership roles.

Spagnuolo also recognized LIBOR’s Global Business Council which was recently awarded the Platinum Global Achievement Program Award, and LIBOR’s Commercial Network which was awarded the Diamond Commercial Services Accreditation, both by National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Concluding the evening’s presentations, Spagnuolo acknowledged Mary Alice Ruppert, LIBOR past president, for being named the 2023 REALTOR® of the Year award by NYSAR. The REALTOR® of the Year award, the highest honor NYSAR can bestow on a member, was presented to Ruppert for her unwavering commitment to championing fair housing, and her extraordinary contributions and leadership within our community.

Congratulations and best wishes to all for a prosperous 2024!

If you missed the celebration, click HERE to view photos of our association's movers and shakers.